20-25K Need a good phone | Bye-bye Apple

[asingh]

Need some help to narrow down a phone.

Background:
I have never owned an Android phone so am lost. And I do not see value in Apple phones anymore*. With the above budget, if possible under 20K, I can stretch till 25K if it is really worth it.

What I would want for sure:
1. 5G ready
2. NFC
3. Wireless charging--even if it is slow
4. Good battery life
5. At least 2x more years of Android updates [not sure what the update cycle is, since my iPhone SE is still receiving updates]
6. Small form factor < 6.5"

Good to have:
1. Travel adapter [not a deal breaker]
2. Pre-installed screen guard
3. Decent camera [but not a prerequisite, since most of my clicks are on a Sony ILCE]
4. Strong body, I do not want to use a phone case/cover. Hate them.
5. Amazon delivery. Cannot visit brick-n-mortar.
6. Pure Android (read: minimal bloatware, or can be uninstalled without rooting]
7. Am even fine with 64GB storage

+++Minor points:
1. Should be decently crisp and quick to respond
2. On screen thumb unlock
3. Facial unlock (does Android have this)? Sorry!
4. Not sure about processor and RAM.

Thanks for the help.

-Anil

*need to buy two units at the same time

 

[mallik]

Pixel 6a is a good option, if you want a smooth experience, 5G, a good camera, and updates for 3 years.

I think it is still available for 27-28k on Flipkart with card discounts.

Using the phone, and moving up from the Pixel 4a, it doesn't seem too big. It has a narrow down factor.

I would not recommend using the phone without cover though. I don't use a screen guard, but cover with edge protection is a must have for me, as I have dropped my phones a few times.

 

[asingh]

Not allowed in India according to Google

What you can buy with your Google Play balance - Google Play Help

What you can do with your Google Play balance You can buy & subscribe to content & services on Google Play. Learn how to find content on Google Play. You can use Play balance

support.google.com

On Amazon pay where we can buy Google Play Store recharge voucher, it says we can. Try with a ₹100 voucher and see if it works.

View attachment 149288

It is too ambiguous to be honest. Apple lets me add credit and subscription fee is deducted respectively at the cycle. I will probably just bind my cc, rather being locked with an INR 100 voucher.
Thanks for your post though!!

 

[asingh]

Update, works with GPB.